BESE members Lance Harris and Sandy Holloway, State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley, and local business and industry partners toured classrooms where students are building real-world skills in welding, carpentry, and automotive technology, and emergency medical response.

A student panel shared powerful stories about how Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are helping them explore careers, gain confidence, and plan for bright futures. Their voices reminded us why this work matters.

Local partners like Crest Industries, RoyOMartin, and CLTCC joined the conversation, showing how strong partnerships between schools and industry are creating life-changing opportunities for students—right here in Central Louisiana.

This visit, supported by The Orchard Foundation, is part of BESE’s statewide effort to bridge education and workforce development, making sure Louisiana students are ready for what comes next.